Author-Illustrator Interview: Deborah Marcero Shares Her Creative Process

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By Mitu Malhotra

Today I am excited to welcome author-illustrator Deborah Marcero to Cynsations to talk about her seventh picture book, The Great Escape (Penguin Random House/Putnam, February 2026). Reading The Great Escape took me back to the moment in time when I first met Deborah during an exceptionally cold Vermont winter.

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Throwback Thursday: Author Liara Tamani on Inspiration & MFAs

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Congratulations to Liara Tamani on the publication of This Ain’t Our First Rodeo (Greenwillow, Feb. 3, 2026). From the publisher’s website:

This ain’t Josie’s first rodeo. Her parents own several fancy restaurants in Houston, and they just opened a new one right outside the stadium. Josie is expected to stay inside the restaurant and help,

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Author Interview: Cynthia Leitich Smith – The Most Awesomest Auntie

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By AJ Eversole

For more than twenty five years, Cynthia Leitich Smith has shaped the landscape of children’s and young adult literature through her own award winning books and through her tireless advocacy for Native voices. I’ve had the privilege of seeing that impact up close as a contributor to Legendary Frybread Drive-In (Heartdrum,

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Author Interview: Bread, Love, and the Art of Showing Up with Pooja Makhijani

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By Suma Subramaniam

I met Pooja Makhijani a few years ago through an online South Asian children’s book group, and we’ve stayed friends ever since. Pooja is an incredible baker. She taught me how to make naan. When I heard about her forthcoming picture book celebrating bread, I couldn’t wait to cheer for her and share it with the world.

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Co-Authors Interview: Nikki Grimes & Stacy Wells Collaborate on Stronger Than

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By AJ Eversole

I’m happy to introduce award-winning author, Nikki Grimes, and her co-author, with her debut picture book, Stacy Wells! They were happy to talk about their process, their creativity, and how their diverse perspectives came together to create the gorgeous new picture book Stronger Than, illustrated by E.B.

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A Sanctuary for Storytellers: Authors Alison Green Myers & Alexandra Villasante Discuss Scholarships & Rebranding Boyds Mills Retreat Center

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By Mitu Malhotra

Today, I am excited to welcome authors Alison Green Myers and Alexandra Villasante, who both work at Boyds Mills, formerly known as the Highlights Foundation—a space synonymous with craft workshops for children’s book writers and illustrators since 1985. They will tell us about the 2026 offerings—both online and in person at the retreat center in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania,

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